Retirement Home and senior Care in Kingston

Krystyna Sikora knits for people who breathe, feel, suffer and love.

An Activity Aide at Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque, Krystyna spent the summer knitting covers for colostomy and catheter bags for residents of the long-term care home.

More than four months after she started, Krystyna has completed 15 bags which have been received with great fanfare.

“All of the residents and families love them,” says the friendly 57-year-old in the fall of 2018. “It makes me feel good to do this.”

Born in Poland, Krystyna has worked at the home for 21 years.

“I started knitting when I was in Grade 7,” she says with a smile. “They had Home Economics in Poland and that’s where I learned to knit.”

She credits a co-worker with the idea to make the covers for residents with catheter and colostomy bags. Krystyna created the design and starting knitting them in the residents’ favourite colours. They now include drawstrings for improved functionality.

“It doesn’t take me much time,” she says modestly. “It takes one Blue Jays game to knit a bag. If the game goes into extra innings, I start a new one.”

According to Krystyna, staff and residents have suggested how to improve the tasteful pouch which gives residents improved privacy and dignity.

“I also make blankets for babies,” she notes modestly. “I actually have one finished now for a co-worker who is pregnant. It’s just my pastime.”